All You Need to Know about Hernia Complications
We know a Hernia has only one treatment in surgery, If the hernia is left untreated then some complications can increase the risk will developing a bowel obstruction or an incarcerated hernia. This emergency occurs when the intestines push through the abdominal wall and become pinched, preventing your bowels from functioning properly. The result is waste build-up and a rupture. Sepsis and possible death can be the result. Hence hernia needs the right treatment from an expert hernia surgeon. In this Blog, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy – a Hernia surgeon in Chennai guides us on hernia complications, and how they affect the quality of life. Before going the the hernia complications first we overview the what is hernia and its types
What is Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the muscle or connective towel, creating a conspicuous bulge or lump, generally in the abdomen or groin region. Hernias can develop sluggishly over time or suddenly due to conditioning that raises the pressure inside the tummy, similar to heavy lifting or straining.
Types of Hernia:
- Inguinal Hernia
- Femoral Hernia
- Incisional Hernia
- Umbilical Hernia
- Hiatal Hernia
Complications of Untreated Hernia:
Untreated hernias can lead to a range of problems, from mild discomfort to severe complications. They are some of the common issues that can arise, as explained by the best laparoscopic hernia surgeon in Chennai Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy.
- Increased Pain and Discomfort: As a hernia increases in size, it exerts lesser pressure on the near tissues, resulting in intensified pain and discomfort endured by the existent. This heightened strain on the girding structures can lead to a range of symptoms, including sharp or throbbing pain, aching sensations, and increased perceptivity in the affected area. also, the expanding hernia may impinge on jitters, causing firing pains or impassiveness.
- Incarceration: Incarceration happens when part of the intestine or abdominal towel gets stuck in the hernia sac, causing significant discomfort and potentially severe complications. This trapped towel can lead to violent and patient pain, affecting colorful areas of the tummy and causing discomfort like sharp pains. People passing this condition may also feel squeamish, heave, and bloating due to disintegrated digestion. In severe cases, the trapped towel can fully block the bowel, creating a medical exigency that needs immediate attention.
- Strangulation: This is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the trapped towel in the hernia sac is cut off. Without immediate treatment, strangulation can cause towel death( necrosis) and potentially life-threatening complications like gangrene.
- Obstruction: A hernia can block the normal flow of contents in the digestive tract, causing symptoms like bloating, constipation, and difficulty passing gas.
- Hydrocele or Spermatic Cord Swelling: In men with untreated inguinal hernias, there can be fluid buildup( hydrocele) or swelling of the spermatic cord, leading to discomfort and occasionally affecting fertility.
- Surgery Complications: Surgery complications can arise when a hernia isn’t promptly treated and progresses to a more complicated stage. At this point, surgical repair becomes further grueling and poses a heightened risk of various complications. These may include infections, whim-whams damage resulting in sensations like impassiveness or tingling, and the eventuality for the hernia to return after surgery, known as rush. It’s pivotal to address hernias beforehand to minimize these pitfalls and ensure a smoother surgical outgrowth.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Chronic pain, limited mobility, and other hernia-related issues can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, impacting their work, physical activities, and diurnal enjoyment.
Untreated hernias can go from a nuisance to a serious health risk. This blog post, featuring hernia surgery expert Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, sheds light on the potential complications of leaving a hernia untreated. While some discomfort might be the initial symptom, hernias can lead to severe pain, blockages, tissue death, and a reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid these complications.